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Asia spot LNG gains on supply concerns, constant need

Asian area liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices edged up today to a sixweek high in the middle of supply issues and following some area demand pickup from purchasers.

The typical LNG rate for May shipment into north-east Asia << LNG-AS > increased 8% from the previous week to $9.40 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), its greatest level considering that February 9, market sources estimated.

European TTF and Asian LNG front-month contracts have reached a six-week high due to unintended failures and increasing demand from Asian purchasers, stated Ana Subasic, gas and LNG analyst at analytics and information firm Kpler, describing Europe gas prices at the Dutch TTF center and Freeport LNG's statement to shut two of its 3 trains, or liquefaction systems.

Subasic added the agreements are expected to hold steady as rising need in Asia stays a focus point.

Asian spot costs had actually eased to a near three-year low of $ 8.30/ mmBtu last month, as sufficient stock levels amidst moderate winter weather condition weighed on prices.

Less expensive spot LNG boosted demand from Asian buyers, lending some support to prices.

This has led some buy tenders going unawarded today after deals were deemed too high, said Samuel Good, head of LNG prices at product rates agency Argus.

In addition, a ramp-up in Thailand's gas production might even more curb spot need, as the Erawan block looks to nearly double output, seen late in 2015, he added, though the market is eyeing the capacity for an early summer hot spell in the country.

In Europe, S&P Global Product Insights assessed its day-to-day North West Europe LNG Marker (NWM) price benchmark for cargoes provided in May on an ex-ship (DES) basis at $8.15/ mmBtu on March 21, a $0.30/ mmBtu discount to the May gas cost at the Dutch TTF center.

Argus examined the April delivery rate at $8.150/ mmBtu,. while Spark Commodities evaluated it at $8.054/ mmBtu.

Analysts said maintenance work at Freeport LNG and. expectations of cooler weather ahead increased costs in Europe.

Europe is bracing for a cold snap, forecasted to start this. weekend and extend into early next week, which is expected to. sustain net withdrawals from storage sites on an aggregated. basis, stated Kpler's Subasic.

U.S. LNG company Freeport LNG stated on Wednesday its Train 2. liquefaction system has actually been shut down, while Train 1 will be. removed imminently.

It expects inspections and subsequent repairs at both systems. to be finished by May.

On spot LNG freight, Atlantic rates increased to. $ 53,500/ day on Friday, stated Glow Commodities expert Qasim. Afghan. Pacific rates, however, succumbed to a 4th successive. week, alleviating to $49,250/ day.